Getting somewhere by train is an inspiring experience, cause you can admire the landscape on the train. One of the best railways in Vietnam is the train from Hanoi to Sapa. Hanoi to Sapa by train will give you a stunning view of the Northwest mountainous area, so let’s discover how the expedition to Sapa by train will be!
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Sapa is the sub-province in Lao Cai Province in the Northwestern regions of Vietnam. The travel distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 315 km, so it’s convenient to visit Sapa from Hanoi by train or bus. If you’re too familiar with city life such as Hanoi, moving to Sapa will help you escape from the hustle and bustle.
With an average height of 1200 and 1500 meters, this town is usually cool and foggy around the year and even has snow in winter. Sapa is famous for the peaceful paddy terraces, the majestic mountainous scenery, the cloudy atmosphere, the lush valley, and the unique village of the minority ethnic groups living there. It’s the place of 6 Vietnamese ethnic groups, they are Kinh, H’Mong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho.
Besides, traveling to Sapa means that you will have a chance to conquer Fansipan – the rooftop of Indochina. 
If you are interested in traveling by train, you should try the Vietnamese train once in your life.
The journey to Sapa must go through the high mountains of the Northwest. This winding, high and narrow road becomes less intimidating when you’re inside the carriages. Therefore, trains are the means of absolute safety for tourists. Any safety issues you don’t need to worry about. Not only safe but driving by train is also good for your health. Choosing a train is also an effective way to keep the best health for the upcoming happy days. You will have time to rest, and not be too tired during the trip.
The biggest plus when choosing to go to Sapa by train is that you will be delighted to see the clouds and mountains. The Northwest’s natural scenery is so heart-warming, there’s nothing better than enjoying it through the carriage’s window.
Another benefit that cannot be ignored is the super-saving moving costs. A type of vehicle that is both safe and allows you to see the scenery of the world and is super cheap like this, it is not to be missed. We will provide you with some useful information about the trip to Sapa, keep scrolling down!
Besides, using a train means that you will have to prepare less. For example, the train will provide food, which is fairly delicious. Therefore, you don’t have to prepare too much for the trip from Hanoi to Sapa by train and can relieve the burdens and relax more during the night on the train. Everything is well-prepared, from the place for sleeping, eating, and basic sanitary. All you need is to check the time on the train carefully and don’t forget to bring the ticket with you.
Explore our tour: Hanoi – Ha Long – Sapa 7 Days
Traveling by train will take 8 hours, therefore leaving Hanoi at night and arriving at Sapa in the morning is the best schedule. Most passengers choose the 10:00 PM train ticket to meet Sapa at 6:00 AM on the following day.
The train will arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, from where you can take a shuttle bus to Sapa, which will take an additional hour. According to the traffic, the bus may arrive 30 minutes earlier or later than expected. The train usually leaves and returns on time.
To get to Sapa from the Lao Cai station, you can hire a motorcycle nearby to ride by yourself, or go by bus, choose a coach or limousine. However, you can hire a private coach to drive you from Lao Cai station to Sapa, which is faster and less crowded than a bus. Furthermore, it’s safer than driving on steep and narrow roads. The amount of money may increase a bit but can help you to stay energetic all the tour.
The route from Hanoi to Lao Cai is served by two types of train services, which are managed by two different operators: Vietnam Railways and private railway companies.
Local people frequently choose Vietnam Railways.
The state-owned railway company Vietnam Railway operates its own set of passenger coaches on the trains SP1/2 and SP3/4. There are two types of passenger cars: soft beds in compartments for 1-4 passengers and hard beds in compartments for 1-6 passengers. Both types of bedrooms are comfortable enough for you to sleep well.
King Express train is a night train from Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi, the train has a 2-bed cabin and a 4-bed cabin with wooden panels and is fully equipped with air-conditioning equipment, soft beds, each bed is equipped with reading lights, storage boxes, mineral water, and napkins. In each compartment, there is a washing chamber and a clean, modern toilet that provides adequate clean water in daily life.
If you are looking for a trip to Sapa on a spacious, polite, and luxurious train, Chapa Express is a perfect choice. The trip from Hanoi to Sapa train will be unforgettable in that train. Chapa Express train includes 7 luxurious wooden-paneled cabins and very good soundproofing to help customers sleep well on the journey.
With high-class service standards, Victoria Express is always considered the most high-class service fleet in all operating fleets transporting tourists from Hanoi to Sapa and vice versa. When starting to step into the passenger car, you will enjoy a cozy, classic, luxurious space with a hint of natural aroma that makes you feel so comfortable that no other train can bring it to you.
Fanxipan Express is one of the most advanced fleets specializing in serving tourists from Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi. All bedrooms are paneled with high-quality wood and high-class equipment such as Night light, reading light, two-way air conditioner, luggage compartment… A synchronously equipped system of facilities will make your trip more cozy and memorable.
Green Train Express departs to Lao Cai and vice versa with 02 carriages, each train has 07 rooms, and each room has 04 beds. These carriages are designed very delicately and gracefully and are equipped with luxurious interiors such as individual reading lights, personal luggage storage area, two-way air conditioning, a lighting system, and harmony that creates a feeling of luxury and comfort for every visitor…
A sleeper 4-berth, soft bed train ticket with Vietnam Railways costs only 260.000 VND/ pax (round-trip). Meanwhile, private train tickets range from 790.000 VND/ pax (1 way) for a regular Sleeper 4-Berth to 2.900.000 VND/ pax (1 way) for a deluxe Sleeper 2-Berth.
If you’re on a tight budget, Vietnam Railways is a fantastic option because the passenger cars have been refurbished with new interiors and higher-quality components. You can book a tour from the travel agency for the best package price.
The main railway station from Hanoi to Sapa is located at 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Some sites will note that this is the Tran Quy Cap Station, but they are the one place.
To avoid missing the train, you should arrive at the station 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the boarding requirements. The train is always on time and they won’t wait for any individuals.
After a long time on a train from Hanoi to Sapa, what will you experience on this land?
Wearing the traditional customs, and wandering around the groceries of the small village, exploring the pretty souvenir are the activities in Sapa. Besides, you can easily find Sapa’s specialties while visiting the local stores, such as Lam rice, 5-colored sticky rice, and Sapa salmon,…
Recommendation:
Cat Cat village: A Mong ethnic village in Hoang Lien commune, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province. The village is located 2 km from the town center. This is known as the most beautiful ancient village in the Northwestern region.
Check out Northwestern Vietnam: Vietnam Northernwest Loop 7 Days
This is the new railway station from Sapa to the rooftop of Indochina – Fansipan. The station is designed attractively with the Western style. This amazing railway helps tourists shorten the time from Sapa town center to Fansipan. Especially, traveling on the train gives tourists interesting experiences with a panoramic view of the great beauty from above Muong Hoa valley.
Price: From 200.000 VND/ pax
Time: 40 minutes for 3 sections
Price: 200.000 VND/pax for entrance
Location: Sapa Infinity Garden – Group 3 Cau May Ward, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
The infinity garden in Sapa is a newly designed and invested This place has lots of infinity things, such as a swimming pool, a special bridge for hunting clouds, and a spacious Rose garden. Don’t lose way when visiting this place, cause you will feel like staying in paradise when visiting this.
Located in the northwest of the country, this place hides many miracles of nature and humans. Sapa is worth the time spent to reach that town. As you can see, the travel activities in Sapa are improving, therefore it’s getting more and more convenient day by day to visit Sapa. Hopefully, the above information and suggestions will help you make the most suitable choices for your Sapa trip by train!
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